Singer Julio Iglesias has denied allegations of sexual assault made by two female former employees.
The women allege that the 82-year-old Spanish superstar normalised abuse in a coercive, threatening and violent environment while they were working at his properties in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic.
Responding on Instagram, Iglesias said: I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me.
The allegations, which were first reported earlier this week, are being investigated by Spain's judiciary.
The two women - a domestic worker and a physiotherapist - have alleged they suffered sexual and other forms of abuse while working at Iglesias's properties.
The reports said they worked in his Caribbean residences for 10 months in 2021, which is when they allege the sexual assaults took place.
On 5 January, the women filed a legal complaint for sexual assault and human trafficking with the national court, which investigates crimes allegedly committed beyond Spain's borders.
Advocacy groups Women's Link Worldwide and Amnesty International said the acts alleged in the complaint could be considered a crime of human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour and crimes against sexual freedom.
According to testimony collected by the two groups, Iglesias subjected the women to sexual harassment, regularly checked their mobile phones, restricted their ability to leave the home where they worked, and required them to work up to 16 hours a day without days off.
Women's Link described the complainants as young Latin American women in vulnerable situations who were heavily dependent on their wages due to their economic and social conditions.
In his statement, Iglesias wrote: It is with profound sadness that I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked for me. I have never felt such malice, but I still have the strength to let people know the whole truth and defend my dignity against such a serious accusation.
He added that he was grateful for the support he received from friends during this difficult time.
According to Spanish news site elDiario.es and US outlet Univision, the women's allegations are backed up by documentary evidence including photographs, phone records, text messages and medical reports.
However, old friends of the singer have come to his defense, label the accusations as absolute lies and express disbelief over such claims.
Iglesias is one of the most successful Latin artists of all time, having sold more than 300 million records in a career spanning decades, and is the father of music superstar Enrique Iglesias.
